option

noun

ˈäp-shən How to pronounce option (audio)
Definition of optionnext
1
as in accessory
something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment a slew of options that would add several thousand dollars to the base price of the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in choice
the power, right, or opportunity to choose you will have the option to select one of several quite different health insurance plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun option contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of option are alternative, choice, election, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of option?

In some situations, the words alternative and option are roughly equivalent. However, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When could choice be used to replace option?

The words choice and option are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than option?

The meanings of election and option largely overlap; however, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Where would preference be a reasonable alternative to option?

While the synonyms preference and option are close in meaning, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When would selection be a good substitute for option?

Although the words selection and option have much in common, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of option Giving families the option to choose, Lowery thinks, is important. —Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026 Organic Liquid Fertilizer Organic liquid fertilizers are gentler and more forgiving than some other options. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026 While bouclé was fun for a moment, people are moving on to even more unique options now. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026 What are the available options? —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for option
Recent Examples of Synonyms for option
  1. accessory
  2. choice
  3. appliance
  4. alternative
  5. add-on
  6. preference
  7. way
Noun
  • As for accessories, Bad Bunny wore matching cream gloves and a Royal Oak timepiece from Audemars Piguet.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That mindset led me to these smart anti-theft accessories and safety devices from Amazon.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of accessory
Noun
  • Casado also seemed to enjoy himself, reminding fans of his breakout performances last year at times, but De Jong remains first-choice in that midfield role.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The show is presented as a response to the official Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny as the choice of the Puerto Rican mega-star drew backlash from conservatives.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Like any other appliance, ice makers need regular cleaning to stay in top form.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • It's equipped with an induction cooktop, a sink, a dishwasher, and cabinetry, plus space for additional appliances.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of appliance
Noun
  • Bushra Mahnoor, a reproductive rights activist, counts herself among a small proportion of women and girls in Pakistan – about 12%, according to the UN’s children’s agency (UNICEF) – who use commercial sanitary products, rather than homemade alternatives.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Vote for Nelson--the Arkansas alternative!
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of alternative
Noun
  • The Florida Lottery site states game add-ons include Double Play for $1, a bonus drawing where players could win up to $250,000 using the same numbers (Double Play drawings are held immediately after Florida Lotto drawings).
    — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Viewers can watch the show on Amazon Prime by subscribing to the MGM+ add-on.
    — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of add-on
Noun
  • But Gatsby Africa’s insights from those on the ground show that Kenya’s grip on growth is tenuous and largely dependent upon the duty-free benefits afforded by the preference program.
    — Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
  • At 6-foot-10, Šarić could help the Bulls redistribute their size toward bigger lineups, which have become a preference of the front office this season.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of preference
Noun
  • Why Madagascar hissing cockroaches are actually romantic Naming a roach for Valentine’s Day is a great gag, but also these critters are capable of hissing their way into your heart.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But the way the investigation is being carried out is leaving people with some doubts.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

opting (for)
option
optional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on option

Nglish: Translation of option for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about option

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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